How to get a Distribution Deal?

[DVX100Shooter]

What is the process of locating a distributor. Do I send them a sample of my work and if they like it and think it is marketable they would come up with some sort of deal/business plan for them to distribute my dvd to the stores? I am unclear on how this process works. My project is nearing completion and I am starting to think about different avenues I want to take to get my stuff out there...BTW this won't be a film, it will be a DVD to be sold in stores and online.

[DVX100Shooter]

I just found a link that answered my questions...to whoever else that might be interested here it is:

http://www.mwp.com/finance-center/video-distributors.php4

[John C Lyons]

Thanks for that link...let us know if you have any luck.

[Everdene]

I have a couple of notes to add to the information on that link. For most projects, it's good to think of distribution up front, long before going into production. Too many projects end up on a shelf because the people involved didn't realize what it would take to actually distribute the work.

I know what I'm going to say now sounds a little too pragmatic for all of us "artists," but there are distributers out there who are actively looking for niche work and will distribute your DVD (usually to a small market), even if the production ends up sucking a bit, as long as it fits their niche. And some distribution is usually better than no distribution, especially to people who put money into a project.

In other words, there are small niche distributors that work with certain ethnic, religious, hobby, gender, good cause, educational, pet, and children's outlets. They may only be able to get your film into a few hundred stores, museums, or libraries, but once again, some distribution can be better than having your project shelved. And from my experience, these niche distributors are easy to contact and you can often get soft commitments before production starts. And they provide a great place to practice and build your resume (without losing your shirt with a production on a shelf).

And yes, if you look hard enough and you are creative enough, you may still find something that interests the artist in you and allows you to be a true filmmaker in one of these niche markets.

[mediamogul]

IF you have feature length horror films, I have a good in to distribution. Email me info@claritypictures.net

[J.R. Hudson]

I love Horror. :)

Just sharing.

[mediamogul]

Its why I bought this setup John ;D While I do produce the network/indie films (they pay well!) I really want to direct. My wife and I are making 2 docs at the moment, then a horror film later this summer. I am lucky that I have the ablity to self finance the projects.
Being in the industry for many years I have made some great connections to distributors and constantly ask what the flavor of the year is. Right now its low budget horror. Theres a great profit margin in them.

[J.R. Hudson]

And do I have the synopsis for a kick ass Horror Film?

Oh yeah.

[mediamogul]

Email me the synopsis! 8)

[Edalgo_Alvarez]

Independant horrors eh? Ive got a nice idea Ive been fooling around with. Maybe after Ive made my short film here, Ill write up a nice script.

Edalgo

[DVX100Shooter]

I just saw something on a email I get every week telling me of job listings....they were looking for a Horror script! I'll try to dig the email up and send it to you.

[TylerGred]

IF you have feature length horror films, I have a good in to distribution. Email me info@claritypictures.net



I looked at the agreement on the site and number 6 seemed kind of scary to me. Is that a normal clause in this type of contract? I have no idea on these sorts of things so some clarity will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Oh yeah, here is what is says:
6. I recognize that you and your clients have access to and/or may create or have created
literary materials and ideas which may be similar or identical to said material in theme, idea,
plot, format or other respects. I agree that I will not be entitled to any compensation because of
the use of any such similar or identical material which may have been independently created by
you or any such client or may have come to you or such client from any other independent
source.

[Barry_Green]

It is scary, and it is also fairly common.

You would not believe how frequently people come up with the same, or similar ideas. Robert McKee, in his "Story" seminar, told us about that, and how if ONE MORE PERSON comes up to him with the brilliant idea about "cloning Jesus from the Shroud of Turin"...

So yes, you do take some risk that maybe they'll steal your basic idea. But they also are taking a huge risk by acknowledging that they've read your idea (which opens them up to getting a "you stole my idea" lawsuit").

[TylerGred]

Thanks Barry. That makes sense.

[mediamogul]

The submission agreement is very standard. In fact its a bit tame. I do however have a great reputation with writers. I fully respect that without them we would have nothing. I also take great pride in discovering new talent. I recently found a writer that queried me and I loved the script. We made a deal, I got the project funded with CineCitta studios in Rome. The budget is under $1 million, but he gets launched in the game now as a produced writer.

[Guest]

I ran that by an entertainment lawyer who is a friend of mine. He said this "Wait a minute. *First they say they that you recognize that they "might have" or could create identical material...then they want you to waive the right to any obligation if they use identical material regardless how they
come across it. My clients have signed agreements like this before but I have never seen a clause that says they may use "identical" material. "

He is a pretty popular entertainment lawyer too.

*

[mediamogul]

The last thing I will say on this subject is the release was drafted by a very large entertainment law firm that reps me. I've used it for years. Never had any problems with writers. If someone wants to submit a screenplay to my company they sign this. If they feel unconfortable with the release they should not sign it.